Working from Home–a Blessing or a Curse?

DavidM    Business, Life     Business, home, productivity, work

It seems like the perfect world when you’re a freelancer or you get a job that lets you telecommute so you can work from home. But with that freedom comes distractions. Freelancers and flex time are no longer cottage industries. Technology has made it possible for many to work in non-traditional office settings. You’ve saved on the commuting time to an outside office, but how are you going to maximize your production? If you’re considering working out of your home, or are presently doing so, here are a few considerations to help boost your bottom line.

Setting a schedule – When do you start and stop working?

It’s critical that you designate an area as your work space. Similar to working in an office outside your home, you need to be able to close the door and leave work behind at the end of your scheduled time. If you don’t set work guidelines or boundaries, you may end up working on and off all day long in fits and starts.  Set hours are also better for productivity.  You can even go so far as posting your work hours in your office or online for your clients.  Leave the breakfast dishes in the sink—you’re going to work!

Getting “dressed” for work – Seriously, put on some pants.

As much as working from home supports the idea of being comfortable you can take it too far.  It’s still important to dress as though you are going out the door, if only to help you get into your work mode.

Getting to “work” – Finding a way to get into the mindset of being at the office.

Unless you’re in the PR business, avoid decorating your workspace with a TV. Set the tone of how your office or workspace would be if it were not in your home. Does that mean music? Muzak or charged up beat? It’s important to make the space comfortable but not so comfortable that you fall asleep! If it’s in a spare room or basement without a window, you might use artificial plants and light colored paint for the walls. Daylight bulbs that simulate natural light are also helpful for keeping you in a good mood.

Staying at “work” and on task – Once you get working how do you keep from getting distracted?

Visual boundaries can help keep you focused. If you don’t have a room with a door or space that is away from the main living areas, you might consider a free standing screen or room divider.

Unfortunately, your home is filled with distractions.  The TV, fridge, pets and school-aged children can all draw you away from your desk and shutdown your productivity.  By far, the biggest distraction can be something you need in your office–the Internet.  The wealth of information that is just a mouse click away can be invaluable for researching, solving problems and communicating with others, however, it can also be a time-consuming activity when you click on unrelated links, read every email as it comes in and just “check” your social media sites.  One tip, aside from having a little self-control, is to turn off your instant email notifications except for business related contacts.  That way the funny internet jokes from your aunt, the cute cat video, or the new movie trailer won’t tempt you to wander off task.

Conclusion – Finding the balance.

Working from home doesn’t need to be difficult. You can keep things in check by setting guidelines for work so that it doesn’t take over your life by putting you on call 24/7.  Rules will help you to put in a solid day of work and make coming home feel more like it would if you had been at an office.

It’s important not to spend too much time working. You do need breaks to get up and stretch your body and mind…just make sure you can get back to work.

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